This staircase breathes traditional elegance into the home with classic design elements. Dark-stained treads and handrail create rich contrast against crisp white risers, newels, and vertical balusters. Wainscoting runs alongside the staircase, adding another layer of traditional detail that enhances the home's refined character. Centrally positioned, the staircase features a second-story balcony that wraps two sides above the main floor. This thoughtful design allows natural light to flow freely throughout the home while creating visual connection between levels. The result is a staircase that honors traditional craftsmanship while serving the functional needs of contemporary living. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Lighting in a kitchen is not only about form but also function as this room functions as both a popular gathering spot and a work space as well. LED lights are now available in a variety of styles and brightness options to suit everything from traditional to modern. If your ceilings are 9 feet or higher, consider choosing a brighter recessed LED light as your general lighting. Also, keep in mind that if you are over 40 years old, chances are your eyes may soon appreciate a little more brightness during work mode. When you have the option, positioning the LED recessed light cans directly over work areas, where shadows will not block light, will maximize the effectiveness of the light. Remember to choose a dimmable LED light and that will enable you to easily slide from work mode light levels to softer light levels with more ambiance. Adding under cabinet LED lighting is another great way to brighten up the counter workspace areas. Make sure to get dimmable under cabinet LED lights as they can also function as a beautiful way to leave a little light in the kitchen after you and your guests have moved the party to another room. The quality of the LED light you choose is more important in your kitchen than most other rooms. Choosing higher quality lights with a CRI (Color Rendering Index ) of 90+ will make your kitchen colors, and meals look colorful and accurate, thus avoiding that dreaded florescent "washed out" look. Your kitchen is a busy, creative and productive space for which you now can find both modern or traditional energy efficient LED lights to enhance both the form and function of the room.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Masterfully Crafted 4,200 SF Craftsman Home in Vibrant Community Welcome to a pinnacle of craftsmanship in the heart of East Dallas. Nestled in the Belmont Addition Conservation District, this stunning 4,200 square foot Craftsman-style residence is a testament to sophisticated living and top-tier workmanship. This home sits on an 8,800 square foot elevated lot, offering not just a house, but a lifestyle. Community & Lifestyle: Embark on a life enriched by diversity and neighborhood camaraderie. The Belmont Addition is a tapestry of various cultures, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. Residents enjoy frequent social events, fostering a uniquely warm and engaging community atmosphere. Positioned in the bustling Lower Greenville section, you’re at the epicenter of local boutiques, exquisite dining, and vibrant nightlife. Uncompromised Quality: Experience a home where every detail is a conversation piece, and no expense has been spared. From the foundational to the aesthetic, each aspect has been meticulously selected for quality, durability, and refinement. Notable Features Include: Outdoor Excellence: Immerse yourself in the outdoor splendor of a rare elevated lot, offering sweeping views of the meticulously landscaped yard from the vantage point of a generous front porch. Crafted with durable Trex Select Composite Decking, this space is designed for endless seasons of relaxation and social gatherings. Transition to the backyard, a private escape boasting a detached, oversized 2-car garage, providing not just storage but opportunities for a workshop or hobby space. Situated on Palo Pinto, one of the wider avenues in Lower Greenville, residents relish the tranquility afforded by limited through traffic, enhancing the property's peaceful character and creating a serene urban oasis amidst the vibrant city pulse. Elegant Interiors: Bask in an interior defined by luxurious white oak wood flooring, solid core doors adorned with Baldwin hardware, and custom cabinetry that adds a personal touch to the sophisticated layout. Indulge in the convenience of a state-of-the-art wine cellar, accommodating over 300 bottles, and two stylish wet bars. Gourmet Kitchen: A culinary enthusiast's dream, featuring high-end Subzero, Wolf, and Cove appliances, set against stunning Cambria Quartz countertops. Efficient & Comfortable: Comprehensive foam insulation and a Navien gas condensing tankless water heater ensure consistent comfort throughout the seasons. The inclusion of a crawlspace dehumidifier and a whole-home generator provides uninterrupted tranquility. Smart & Secure: From the motorized gate at the alley entrance to advanced pre-wiring for data and future AV options, security and technology are seamlessly integrated. Structural Integrity: Geotechnical & Structural engineering anchors the home with a robust pier & beam foundation, safeguarded by a comprehensive 2-10 Home Warranty for ultimate peace of mind.

This stunning Lake Michigan home showcases a beautifully detailed façade with traditional lap siding, grand gables, and stately columns that frame the inviting entryway. A striking arched window serves as a focal point, enhancing the home's dramatic rooflines and flooding the interior with natural light. Inside, a sweeping curved staircase with a hand crafted banister adds a sense of grandeur to the foyer, complementing the home’s open and airy design. Expansive multi-level decks provide breathtaking waterfront views and seamless indoor-outdoor living, perfect for lakeside entertaining. Thoughtfully positioned windows capture panoramic vistas from nearly every room, while refined millwork and high-end finishes add warmth and sophistication. Outside, a private boardwalk winds through the lush landscape, leading directly to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, making this home a true sanctuary at the water’s edge.

Castaway An Oceanfront Residence Clearwater, Florida ​ This breathtaking ocean-front family vacation retreat is positioned between the beach and harbor, an idyllic haven offering panoramic sunset views that will leave you in awe. Our mission was simple yet profound: to let the natural beauty of the surroundings shine while infusing the interior with elements that evoke the tranquility of the ocean. ​ Drawing inspiration from the sandy shores, we embraced white-washed wood veneers and wood-look porcelain tile flooring, chosen for their practicality and resilience, especially for a space frequented by energetic grandkids. To add a twist of creativity, we installed the tiles in a unique pattern, inviting you to "walk along the plank" towards the mesmerizing vistas. ​ The dining room serves as a tribute to the couple's engagement in Santorini, adorned with canvas prints of photos taken during these cherished memories. In the dining room and master bedroom, we meticulously selected the perfect "Santorini blue" tones for the accent walls to continue to narrate their story. ​ Crafted with Treefrog veneers, the custom millwork combines elegance with durability, while the bathrooms exude a spa-like serenity with their natural textures and sandy hues, enhanced by thoughtful lighting. ​ For the kids' room, we embraced vibrant colors and durable materials, ensuring a space where creativity knows no bounds. Meanwhile, the guest bedroom invites tropical relaxation with its palm leaf motifs and organic accents. Overall, our design ethos revolves around a light and airy color palette, inspired by the tranquil hues of sand and sea. Strategic pops of color breathe life and vibrancy into the space, creating the perfect atmosphere for a dreamy vacation home experience. Join us as we embark on a journey to transform your space into a coastal paradise!

Located in a beautiful spot within Wellesley, Massachusetts, Sunspace Design played a key role in introducing this architectural gem to a client’s home—a custom double hip skylight crowning a gorgeous room. The resulting construction offers fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces within the home, and blends well with the existing architecture. The skylight boasts solid mahogany framing with a robust steel sub-frame. Durability meets sophistication. We used a layer of insulated tempered glass atop heat-strengthened laminated safety glass, further enhanced with a PPG Solarban 70 coating, to ensure optimal thermal performance. The dual-sealed, argon gas-filled glass system is efficient and resilient against oft-challenging New England weather. Collaborative effort was key to the project’s success. MASS Architect, with their skylight concept drawings, inspired the project’s genesis, while Sunspace prepared a full suite of engineered shop drawings to complement the concepts. The local general contractor's preliminary framing and structural curb preparation accelerated our team’s installation of the skylight. As the frame was assembled at the Sunspace Design shop and positioned above the room via crane operation, a swift two-day field installation saved time and expense for all involved. At Sunspace Design we’re all about pairing natural light with refined architecture. This double hip skylight is a focal point in the new room that welcomes the sun’s radiance into the heart of the client’s home. We take pride in our role, from engineering to fabrication, careful transportation, and quality installation. Our projects are journeys where architectural ideas are transformed into tangible, breathtaking spaces that elevate the way we live and create memories.

Nestled on a challenging steep, rocky incline with breathtaking ocean vistas, this backyard was initially nearly unusable due to its limited flat areas. The homeowner's vision was to transform it into a multifunctional space capable of hosting large gatherings of family and friends. The transformative design boasts four terraced decks: two featuring cozy fire pits, one equipped with a hot tub perfectly positioned for sunset viewing, and another for daytime relaxation, alongside a hidden deck designed especially for children's play. The space is further enhanced with an outdoor kitchen, a cascading water feature adorning the slope, seating nestled under a waterproof deck, and built-in wooden seating with cleverly integrated storage, all centered around a playful and inviting pool.

Positioned as the centerpiece of this home, this grand white oak staircase anchors the space. Warm white oak treads provide a natural foundation, complemented by intricate iron balusters that add traditional elegance. The combination of organic wood warmth and detailed metalwork creates a timeless aesthetic that suits the home's luxurious character. The staircase connects levels while serving as a refined focal point that enhances the overall ambiance. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This home is now SOLD. Buyers: Search current listings for Sammamish Homes on Acreage through link below and call Ken for news about up-coming listings. Sellers: This home sold with multiple offers for a price that was in the 92nd Percentile for Non-rambler Residential $/SF SOLDS in 2014 Sammamish. Call Ken to start a conversation about how to position your Sammamish property to get top dollar. Sited in the center of a 35,040 sf lot, this property offers extensive lawn areas bounded by mature perimeter trees and established gardens. Elaborate gardens feature perennial dahlias, raspberries, blueberries, tayberries and marionberries on the property's southern side. The West-facing backyard features an expansive, new, multilevel deck with built-in seating, covered area with skylights and gas BBQ hook-up. Three car garage w/ storage, RV parking, extensive uncovered parking, central A/C, security system and blinds enhance this property's broad appeal.

This bathroom remodel blends timeless design with carefully considered details to create a space that feels both refined and highly functional. A clean, neutral foundation is paired with bold accents—most notably the deep blue custom cabinetry, which adds depth and contrast while maintaining a classic appeal. The double vanity offers ample storage and symmetry, complemented by warm brass fixtures and soft lighting that create a balanced, inviting atmosphere. Large mirrors and layered lighting enhance brightness and openness throughout the space. A standout feature is the custom shower, finished with textured tile that adds visual interest without overwhelming the design. The freestanding tub, positioned near expansive windows, brings in natural light and creates a calm, spa-like focal point. Every element—from layout to material selection—was chosen to ensure long-term durability, comfort, and everyday usability. The result is a bathroom that feels elevated, cohesive, and built to stand the test of time.

Bahama Shutters enhance the tropical look of your home while offering everyday use and protection. While still allowing a cool coastal breeze, the Bahama Shutter provides shading protection from the sun. The added privacy benefit of Bahama Shutters eliminates the need for interior window blinds or shutters, while still allowing in light and air flow in the closed position.

Casey & Tom envisioned a master bathroom that would combine functionality with timeless elegance. Their existing space needed a complete overhaul, from layout modifications to high-end finishes. They sought a luxurious shower, a freestanding bathtub, improved storage solutions, and upgraded lighting to create a spa-like retreat within their home. The shower walls feature Annie Selke Flora Barely Blue Porcelain Wall 18x18", bringing a refined touch. Penny Round Matte White Porcelain Mosaic was used for the shower flooring and wall niche, creating a crisp contrast. The shower was finished with a frameless clear tempered glass enclosure featuring a custom door. A freestanding bathtub was positioned against the same wall as the vanity, offering a focal point of relaxation. The bathtub plumbing was reconfigured to accommodate this update, with a new floor-mount bathtub faucet installed. The storage and functionality were improved with the installation of two Ariel Cambridge Bathroom Vanities with Pure White Quartz Tops, set side by side but kept separate for a distinctive look. A thoughtfully designed space now reflects Casey and Tom’s style, combining practicality with elegance. The result is a tranquil bathroom that enhances comfort and everyday convenience.

On Wednesday October 18th, 2017 Bilotta Kitchens hosted the 7th Annual “Art of the Table” Exhibition. The event featured five interior designers “dedicated to celebrating the fusion of design, art and lifestyle, incorporating the tabletop collections of Replacements, Ltd.” Five distinctive tabletop vignettes were elegantly styled and featured within the expansive Bilotta Kitchens Showroom located within the Architects & Designers Building on East 58th street within the heart of New York City. I was honored to be the first of five interior designers selected. Other featured designers included Rajni Alex of Rajni Alex Interior Design; Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48; Jennifer Flanders of Jennifer Flanders Inc.; and Asler Valero of Asler Valero Interior Design LLC:

This master bathroom is designed as a refined spa-like retreat, combining warmth, contrast, and modern functionality. A custom floating wood vanity anchors the space, paired with a seamless quartz waterfall countertop and dual undermount sinks. Matte black fixtures and hardware add bold contrast against crisp white walls and surfaces, creating a timeless, modern aesthetic. A large LED-backlit mirror provides soft, even illumination while enhancing the room’s clean lines. The freestanding soaking tub serves as a sculptural focal point, positioned for relaxation and visual balance. Just beyond, a spacious walk-in shower features a glass enclosure, minimalist black hardware, and light-toned wall tile for a bright, airy feel. Dark large-format floor tile grounds the space, adding depth and durability while complementing the natural wood tones. Thoughtfully layered lighting, clean detailing, and a generous layout come together to create a master bath that feels both luxurious and highly functional—designed for everyday comfort with a spa-level experience.

Sandhurst Bulli — Modern Coastal Living with Breathtaking Views Perched in the heart of Bulli on the NSW South Coast, Sandhurst Bulli is a stunning architectural home that redefines luxury coastal living. Designed and built by CKS Projects, this residence captures the essence of the Illawarra lifestyle—bold, contemporary, and connected to nature. Every element of the home was crafted to embrace its incredible position between the ocean and the escarpment. With polished concrete floors, warm timber feature ceilings, and expansive glass walls, the home opens seamlessly to panoramic coastal and mountain views. Built over three levels, the design thoughtfully accommodates a growing family, balancing private retreats with open communal spaces. The northeast orientation maximises natural light, while the flowing indoor–outdoor connection enhances the sense of space and calm. From the bespoke detailing to the high-end finishes, Sandhurst Bulli embodies the CKS Projects commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless coastal design.

This kitchen remodel was designed to make a statement—balancing bold character with refined craftsmanship to create a space that’s both highly functional and visually unforgettable. At the heart of the design is a striking contrast palette. Crisp white perimeter cabinetry keeps the space bright and open, while rich black lower cabinets and a substantial island ground the room with depth and sophistication. The oversized island serves as both a functional workspace and a central gathering point, topped with a dramatic stone surface that adds movement and texture. The flooring plays a defining role in the overall aesthetic. A custom black-and-white patterned tile layout introduces energy and personality, transforming the kitchen into a true design centerpiece while maintaining a timeless appeal. This bold foundation is thoughtfully balanced by clean lines, classic shaker cabinetry, and elegant hardware selections. Functionality was a key driver throughout the project. The layout maximizes workflow efficiency with dedicated zones for cooking, prep, and cleanup. A professional-grade range anchors the island, while the farmhouse sink positioned beneath large windows brings in natural light and enhances the everyday experience. Custom storage solutions—including extended cabinetry, integrated dish storage, and built-in appliance areas—ensure everything has its place without compromising the clean aesthetic. Lighting was carefully layered to elevate both form and function. Statement pendant fixtures above the island add architectural interest, while recessed lighting provides consistent illumination throughout the space. The result is a kitchen that feels both elevated and livable—where bold design choices meet practical everyday use. It’s a space designed not just to cook in, but to gather, entertain, and truly enjoy.

Positioned as the centerpiece of this home, this grand white oak staircase anchors the space. Warm white oak treads provide a natural foundation, complemented by intricate iron balusters that add traditional elegance. The combination of organic wood warmth and detailed metalwork creates a timeless aesthetic that suits the home's luxurious character. The staircase connects levels while serving as a refined focal point that enhances the overall ambiance. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Castaway An Oceanfront Residence Clearwater, Florida ​ This breathtaking ocean-front family vacation retreat is positioned between the beach and harbor, an idyllic haven offering panoramic sunset views that will leave you in awe. Our mission was simple yet profound: to let the natural beauty of the surroundings shine while infusing the interior with elements that evoke the tranquility of the ocean. ​ Drawing inspiration from the sandy shores, we embraced white-washed wood veneers and wood-look porcelain tile flooring, chosen for their practicality and resilience, especially for a space frequented by energetic grandkids. To add a twist of creativity, we installed the tiles in a unique pattern, inviting you to "walk along the plank" towards the mesmerizing vistas. ​ The dining room serves as a tribute to the couple's engagement in Santorini, adorned with canvas prints of photos taken during these cherished memories. In the dining room and master bedroom, we meticulously selected the perfect "Santorini blue" tones for the accent walls to continue to narrate their story. ​ Crafted with Treefrog veneers, the custom millwork combines elegance with durability, while the bathrooms exude a spa-like serenity with their natural textures and sandy hues, enhanced by thoughtful lighting. ​ For the kids' room, we embraced vibrant colors and durable materials, ensuring a space where creativity knows no bounds. Meanwhile, the guest bedroom invites tropical relaxation with its palm leaf motifs and organic accents. Overall, our design ethos revolves around a light and airy color palette, inspired by the tranquil hues of sand and sea. Strategic pops of color breathe life and vibrancy into the space, creating the perfect atmosphere for a dreamy vacation home experience. Join us as we embark on a journey to transform your space into a coastal paradise!